Cohen’s Analysis: On one hand it’s a major risk considering we don’t know if Brook Lopez will ever return to All-Star status. It’s the fourth time he has injured that right foot and that is a very weary sign for someone of his size (hence, Yao Ming).

But when you weigh in the fact that the Lakers wouldn’t have to surrender much, it may be worth the gamble. It’s ambiguous whether Kobe Bryant will return this season and at this stage it’s probably most rational to have him sit out the rest of the year and hope they can jackpot on a high draft pick.

And when next year rolls around, it’s possible L.A. could be right back in the thick of things in the West with Bryant, Lopez and a highly touted prodigy from the impending loaded draft class of 2014.